Abstract

The design of the preamplifier used with photodiodes to detect short pulses of light is presented. Expressions are derived giving the output signal-to-noise ratio in terms of the noise characterization of the amplifier, the characteristics of the detector, and its operating conditions. The frequency response of a vacuum tube amplifier is specified to give the maximum output signal-to-noise ratio. A numerical example is given.

© 1966 Optical Society of America

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